The wildlife sanctuaries and nature preserves are regions maintained by the government to preserve the flora and fauna. Human movements are highly restricted in these areas. These animals and birds are secured from unlawful actions like poaching and hunting. The native conditions of the environment are protected to safeguard the habitats of the wildlife. The nature reserves preserve regional animals and plants, where they also serve as platforms for various types of research.

Wildlife sanctuaries in Bhutan

Bhutan has a protected area of about 51 percent of its total landscape. These include the northern and southern regions, including four wildlife sanctuaries, five national parks, and one nature reserve. The wildlife sanctuaries of Bhutan are the Bumdeling wildlife sanctuary, Jomotsangkha wildlife sanctuary, Sakteng wildlife sanctuary, and Phipsoo Wildlife sanctuary.

Bumdeling wildlife sanctuary

• The region bounded by the Bumdeling wildlife sanctuary is about 1545 sq. km of north-western parts of the country, sharing international perimeters with northern Tibet and north-eastern India.
• About 100 animal species, including endangered animals like Royal Bengal Tiger, red panda, and snow leopard, have been recorded here.
• During winter, from November to March, the area is inhabited by 150 black-necked cranes. They are also called butterfly paradise, as 130 species have been documented here.
• The fascinating monastery of Dechenphodrang Lhaghang is found within the sanctuary.

Jomotsangkha wildlife Sanctuary

• An area of 273 sq. km, a tiny protected area, shares the country’s southern border with the nearby Indian wildlife sanctuary.
• They are inhabited by wild animals like Elephants, Guars, and endangered species, including Pygmy Hogs and Hispid Hares.
• The altitudes recorded here are about 200 m to 2300 m comprising tropical rainforest, cold and warm broadleaved forests, and some grasslands.

Sakteng wildlife sanctuary

• The eastern rim of the country covers an area of 650 sq. km and is the Sakteng wildlife sanctuary.
• The animals reported in these areas are snow leopards, red pandas, Himalayan black bears, barking deer, Himalayan red fox, and hoary-bellied Himalayan squirrel.
• Bird species like Assamese macaw, rosefinch, the grey-headed woodpecker, and the pheasant of the hair are reported here.
• The Himalayan flora, including temperate woods and alpine fields, is vastly established here. The blue poppy, Gentiana, primulas, and rhododendrons create a bright lawn during spring.

Phipsoo wildlife sanctuary

• The sanctuary is found to cover an area of 278 sq. km, and altitudes range between 200-1600 m.
• Wild animals, including golden langurs, Gaurs, tigers, Axis deer, spotted deer, and elephants, are found.

Important flora and fauna

The climatic conditions and geographical diversity of Bhutan have contributed to various wildlife. The natural reserves of the tropical lowlands, along with the hardwood forests positioned in the south, possess animals such as clouded leopard, golden langur, one-horned rhino, sloth bear, and hispid hare. 

The temperate zone of the country is inhabited by animals, including the common leopard, tiger, grey langur, serow, and goral. The alpine habitats located in higher altitudes are inhabited by animals, including blue sheep, snow leopard, Himalayan musk deer, antelope, and marmot.

The country is landlocked and has a wide range of altitude variations. Various organisms thrive in different altitudes. They have evolved various features to thrive in distinct environments. The variations in attitudes differ between 150 metres to about 7500 metres.

The organisms thriving in alpine habitats possess thick fur and small ears to protect them from extreme heat. The organisms thriving in tropical habitats have less fur and are adapted to thrive in an equatorial climate with a tropical temperature. The tropical region is occupied by a wider range of animals than the other regions. Wildlife sanctuaries and nature reserves are mainly found in all these diverse ecosystems.

Threats faced by the flora and fauna

There exist various threats to the flora and fauna native to Bhutan. There are multiple pressures on the government regarding the protection of the natural environment. 

The important challenges faced by wildlife, including mineral extraction, poaching, modernisation, waste disposal, industrialisation, tourism, sewage, competition for the construction of public works, development of hydropower, modernisation of agriculture, population pressures, and the construction of a road with various physical infrastructures, have also threatened the wildlife population.

Importance of wildlife sanctuaries and nature reserves

• Protection of endangered species: Many animal and plant species are threatened by extinction because of human activity. The activities, including hunting and poaching, are restricted in these regions. 
• Conservation of forests: The elevating population increases the demand for timber and trees. These protected areas prohibit the utilisation of natural resources within these regions, and hence, the natural environment of the woods is maintained.
• Promoting ecotourism: Humans must follow a set of rules and regulations for entering these protected areas, which can economically benefit a country without intervention in the species’ natural habitat.

 Conclusion

The wildlife sanctuary and nature reserves are the protected natural ecosystem for animals and plants, which benefits the country’s economy and for humans. Hence, it is essential to conserve these natural resources. Bhutan is enriched with numerous wild animals and wild flora. The important wildlife sanctuaries of the country include the Bumdeling wildlife sanctuary, Phipsoo wildlife sanctuary, Jomotsangkha wildlife Sanctuary, and Sakteng wildlife sanctuary.

The government has passed various initiatives to protect these sanctuaries and nature reserves. They are protected to guard the endangered species and the forests. Ecotourism is also promoted in various regions of Bhutan to improve the protection of forests.